Richmond, VA. (Sept. 10, 2004) – Brendan Gaughan will start the Rock & Roll 400 from the 37th position Saturday, Sept. 11. After six straight DNFs, Gaughan is looking for baby steps and hopes to complete the event in one piece.

The morning practice session went well for the No. 77 Kodak Racing team. Gaughan worked on his line through the turns and gained his confidence at the short track while preparing for his qualifying run. He was the 20th of 52 drivers to make his attempt and while his lap time was not satisfactory, his thoughts were focused on the final practice session scheduled for Friday evening.

“I felt like I made an OK lap on the first run,” Gaughan said. “The thing is, it just felt OK. I didn’t feel like I had the momentum heading into my second lap, but I thought my lap time would be better the second time around. I think I got through turns one and two better than I ever have and that is big.

“Qualifying is only a start. Unfortunately, I am starting in the back and my work is cut out for me. I will do what I can to gain positions on the track, but I will have to rely heavily on the Kodak pit crew to gain positions in the pits. A couple of our 13-second stops would be great.”

Gaughan’s Penske-Jasper-powered teammates showed their talent as Ryan Newman secured the pole position and Rusty Wallace earned the 12th position.

Gaughan is focused on the event ahead and with his recent finish history is looking forward to a baby step in the right direction.

“Qualifying is just a place to earn a starting position. The finish is what most remember. Right now, I have six events in a row without a finish and that is not something I am proud of. I want to finish a race. It sounds so cliché, but the guys on this Kodak Racing team have busted their humps the past couple of months. They, more than anybody, have focused on the finishes, or rather the non-finishes.”

The NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series’ Rock & Roll 400 will air live on TNT beginning with pre-race activities at 7 p.m., E.D.T.